Health

Health

Not Every Pain Needs a Pill: Pharmacists Warn Against Indiscriminate Painkiller Use as Self-Medication Epidemic Grows

Pharmacists have cautioned Nigerians against reaching for painkillers for every ache, warning that popping pills without identifying the root cause can mask serious underlying conditions and lead to potentially fatal complications. As self-medication with analgesics becomes increasingly common, experts reveal that some pains resolve with simple rest, while the reckless use of drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen can silently damage the liver, kidneys, and stomach.

Sep 9, 2026 101

Health

Diphtheria Outbreak: Plateau Deploys Massive Medical Supplies as Death Toll Hits 23, Schools Shut

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the immediate mobilisation of drugs and medical commodities to health facilities as the state battles a suspected diphtheria outbreak that has claimed 23 lives and infected 143 others in two weeks. The intervention, already underway at JUTH and PSSH, comes as the government shuts all schools across the state to curb the spread of the highly infectious disease among children.

Sep 8, 2026 69

Health

Diphtheria Crisis: NCDC Records 10,000 Cases, 300 Deaths as Nigeria's Immunisation Gaps Fuel Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases and over 300 deaths in 2026, with northern states bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Health authorities have identified inadequate vaccination coverage, with over 60 per cent of suspected cases among unvaccinated individuals, as the primary driver of transmission, prompting urgent calls for a decisive shift from reactive outbreak management to sustained prevention.

Sep 7, 2026 130

Health

Cash-Only Scandal: FCT Hospital Patients Allege Illegal Payments, Missing Receipts Despite Cashless Policy Push

A News Agency of Nigeria survey has uncovered widespread allegations of persistent cash-only payment demands at public hospitals in Abuja's satellite towns, with patients claiming they were directed to PoS operators or private accounts and denied official receipts. While hospital authorities have denied knowledge of any diversion schemes and challenged complainants to provide evidence, the revelations have raised serious concerns about financial transparency and accountability in government-owne

Sep 7, 2026 155

Health

Cholera Scare: FCT Agency Warns Against Open Defecation as Rainy Season Heightens Outbreak Risk

The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has issued an urgent warning to residents against open defecation in bushes and uncompleted buildings, citing the heightened risk of a cholera outbreak during the rainy season. The agency's executive director cautioned that the dangerous practice not only facilitates disease transmission but also exposes residents to reptile attacks, as the FCT intensifies sensitisation campaigns across 62 wards to promote proper sa

Sep 7, 2026 85

Health

Lagos Govt Debunks Extortion Claims, Confirms Patient Received N93,950 Free Emergency Care

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has cleared Randle General Hospital of extortion allegations, revealing that 21-year-old patient Alimat Oshodi received lifesaving emergency treatment and financial assistance worth N93,950 free of charge. Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi said the investigation confirmed that the state's social health protection mechanisms functioned as intended, ensuring no patient is denied care due to financial constraints.

Sep 4, 2026 109

Health

UNICEF Hands Over 3 Renovated PHCs in Katsina, Urges Adequate Staffing and Maintenance

UNICEF has formally handed over three renovated Primary Health Care facilities in Daura, Batagarawa and Funtua LGAs of Katsina State, urging the government to ensure proper staffing, medical supplies and routine maintenance.

Sep 4, 2026 62

Health

Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Kept US Man Off Dialysis for Record Nine Months — Lancet Study

A 66-year-old American man went 271 days without dialysis after receiving a genetically engineered pig kidney, in what researchers describe as the first successful use of an animal organ as a "bridge" to a human kidney transplant.

Sep 4, 2026 132

Health

Lassa Fever Crisis Deepens: Nigeria Records 1,035 Cases, 252 Deaths as Young Adults Bear Brunt of Outbreak

In a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by viral haemorrhagic fevers, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,035 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 252 deaths across 23 states in 2026. The latest situation report reveals that young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected demographic, as health authorities raise alarm over a rising case fatality rate and the continued infection of healthcare workers.

Sep 3, 2026 66

Health

Young Nigerians Recording BP as High as 230/100mmHg, Medical Expert Blames Misinformation, Drug Access

Dr Joy Audu of Pro-Health International says hypertension is increasingly striking Nigerians in their 30s and 40s, driven by misinformation, poor access to prescribed medicines, and reliance on unqualified practitioners in rural communities.

Sep 3, 2026 120

Health

Research-Driven Action Needed to Curb Cholera Spread, Cross River Says

Cross River State has called for research-driven, community-focused interventions to tackle seasonal cholera outbreaks in high-risk riverine areas, emphasising secondary transmission, local-language messaging and WASH measures

Sep 3, 2026 51

Health

Senegal’s $7.1m Sickle Cell Drug Push Targets Six African Markets

Senegalese firm Teranga Pharma is expanding production of Drepaf, a locally manufactured generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, backed by a $7.1 million project, and targeting six African markets with a goal of supplying sub-Saharan Africa by 2030

Aug 31, 2026 189